The catalytic converter is a reliable and simple device that does not require maintenance, but there are some points the owner should pay attention to in order to extend the life of the converter.
The catalytic converter operates at high temperatures and therefore must never be located in a place where it can come into contact with flammable materials (this may cause them to ignite). In particular, you should not stop the car on dry leaves, hay, rags, brushwood, etc.
Do not use leaded gasoline - the lead in leaded gasoline coats rare earth metals and damages the converter.
Do not start the engine by towing - unburned fuel will enter the converter, after starting it may overheat.
Do not turn off the ignition when the engine speed is high.
Do not use fuel or engine oil additives - they may contain components harmful to the converter.
Do not operate a car whose engine consumes a lot of oil, as oil combustion products entering the catalytic converter impair its performance.
The tightness from the exhaust manifold gasket up to and including the catalytic converter must be perfect.
Keep the fuel injection system and the ignition system in good condition, as a violation of fuel combustion is detrimental to the converter.
In some cases, sulfur can be smelled from the exhaust pipe. This is a common occurrence, passing through several thousand kilometers. The converter on a serviceable car serves up to 150,000 km. If the effectiveness of the converter has decreased, it is replaced.